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A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and tighten the abdominal wall, resulting in a flatter, firmer midsection.

Patients who have excess abdominal skin or fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise are the best candidates for a tummy tuck surgery. Post-pregnancy women are another group who can benefit from this surgery, as exercise is ineffective in tightening tissue that was overstretched during pregnancy. Patients who have lost a great deal of weight but have excess skin, or healthy people who have a belly that sticks out, can also benefit from a tummy tuck.

What happens during a tummy tuck procedure?

Abdominoplasty surgeries are performed under the supervision of anesthesiologists. During a tummy tuck, Dr. Collis will cut a horizontal incision low on the abdomen, in a similar location to where a C-section scar would appear. Through this incision, the skin and fat above the abdominal muscles is lifted. The belly button is then separated from the skin and fat and is left intact in its original location.

An area of muscle lies just under the layer of skin and fat. Two vertical muscles run across the center of the abdomen, with a separation between them known as the rectus diastasis. This separation causes the laxity in the abdominal wall, which can be especially prevalent after pregnancy. During the procedure, the diastasis is repaired, improving the firmness of the abdominal wall. The procedure does not weaken the abdominal muscles at all, but may strengthen them. The surgery also does not interfere with a patient's ability to get pregnant or gain weight in the area again.

Once the muscle wall is tightened, the skin and fat that had been lifted is pulled back down over the area. The excess skin and fat are removed and a new hole is made for the original belly button. The result is a smoother, firmer abdominal region. Liposuction is sometimes performed simultaneously to the "love handles" for an overall slimming effect.

Some patients can benefit from a "mini tummy tuck," a similar procedure that addresses loose skin and fat, done only below the belly button. Because this surgery is a shorter, less involved procedure, recovery time is quicker and patients see results faster.

What happens during tummy tuck recovery?

The surgical procedure generally lasts between three and four hours. Some surgeries can be done outpatient, while other patients may be asked to spend one night in the hospital. The initial recovery time is from one and a half to two weeks. During this time, patients are encouraged to take time off work and mothers will need assistance with young children. The patient may experience soreness and discomfort. Patients should spend this time resting, though they will be encouraged to get up and walk a bit to maintain circulation. Drains may be temporarily placed in the incisions to help remove fluid after the surgery.

Post-operative, patients will be asked to wear an abdominal binder to decrease swelling and drainage in the area. After a few weeks, most patients move to a girdle type compression garment for support. Strenuous activity and exercise should be avoided for four to six weeks following surgery.

A tummy tuck can provide almost instant gratification for most patients. Surgery can do what years of diet and exercise were not able — create a firmer and flatter abdominal region.